When visiting Italy, one cannot but stop by a city called Lucca, located on the Serchio River in the province of Tuscany. It is completely surrounded by a fortress wall, 4.2 km long, built in the XVI-XVII centuries. She protected the city not only from enemies, but also from floods, which often threatened to destroy many buildings. The architecture of Lucca is dominated by old buildings, churches and towers. Locals proudly note that it was in Lucca that great composers like Giacomo Puccini and Luigi Boccherini were born. The centuries-old history has left its mark on all spheres of life of the townspeople, so Lucca will be of interest to all tourists who wish to get acquainted with the customs of the country.
City gate Porta san Pietro
But first things first. The journey begins by entering the city through the Porta san Pietro gate, built in 1565-1566. Previously, only they were open to foreigners who wanted to get to Lucca. The city's layout has remained unchanged since the 3rd century AD, when the Romans ruled here. The city is divided into four parts by two streets, one of which runs from north to south (cardo) and the other from east to west (decumanus). They intersect in the center, and the rest of the streets run parallel to them and divide the entire territory into small squares.
San Michele in Foro square
Piazza San Michele in Foro is located almost in the very center of the city. The church of the same name was erected on it in the XII century, famous for its unique architecture, which has survived to this day. By its shape, the building resembles a huge majestic ship. On the outside of the facade there is a statue of the Archangel Michael.
They say that the hand of the saint is adorned with a ring with real diamonds, which was presented to the church as a gift by a grateful parishioner. Many people wait for the evening hour, when twilight is just beginning to envelop the city, in order to see a bright sparkling dot on the saint's hand. Near the church there is a house that witnessed the birth of the baby Giacomo Puccini, who later became a great composer, whose operas are still admired by the whole world.
Mercy Square
There are many squares in Lucca. As soon as you move away from one, you immediately find yourself on the other. So, not far from San Michele there is a square called piazza di San Salvatore, which is popularly called the Plaza of Mercy. The church of the same name, erected in the XII century, has strict classical forms.
Market Square
Continuing along Roma Street and then Fallungo, you find yourself in the Market Square, built in the shape of an oval. Crowds of people have always gathered here. But before, people came to gawk at the brave gladiators who fought in the arena of the majestic amphitheater that used to stand on this site.
This explains the shape of the square and the presence of arched passages, through which once animals and people went out to entertain the audience with their bloody fights. The presence of this structure suggests that Lucca was rich enough, since not many, even large cities, could afford such a luxury.
Basilica of San Fridiano
The Basilica di San Frediano church deserves special attention. The fact is that this is the only religious building erected in the Romanesque style in the period from 1112 to 1147. If you go inside the church, you can see its landmark - the baptismal font, made and installed here in the XII by the architect Roberto.
It has a somewhat irregular geometric shape with biblical scenes applied to it from marble. Under the altar is the tomb of the founder of the Church of San Frediano, and a little to the right is the glass coffin of Saint Zita, revered in Italy by the common people and servants.
Clock Tower Torre delle Ore
Leaving the marble vaults of the church, and moving on, you run into the Torre delle Ore Clock Tower. It was the first building in Lucca to have a clock installed in the 14th century. They differed from their modern counterparts in that they did not show the time and did not even have a dial. Their duties included only notifying residents about the approach of midnight.
Guinigi Tower
It is simply impossible to visit Lucca and not see Guinigi, which is one of the symbols of the city of Lucca. The tower is visible from afar and is a masterpiece of architecture. The palace itself is not made in the form of a single stand-alone building, but is a small town. Small buildings decorated with intricate turrets were built for members of the large Guinigi family. The founder of this dynasty ruled Lucca at the beginning of the 15th century.
All tourists are advised to climb this famous tower, where an amazing view of the city and its surroundings opens from a height of 44 meters. This excursion costs only three euros, but the splendor of the panorama that opens up can amaze those who are here for the first time. It is also surprising that centuries-old huge trees grow on the tower's terrace, among which there are oaks, which are more than five hundred years old.
Cathedral of San Martino
We descend from the Guinigi tower and move on, because in front of the main church and attraction of the city of Lucca is the Cathedral of San Martino, erected in the VI century, but after that it was rebuilt several times, and has come down to us in the form that was given to it in the 15th century. He begins to surprise and delight at the entrance. On all sides of the front door, there are images that tell the story of Saint Martin's life. Passing further, the gaze already begins to search inquisitively for a wall drawing depicting the Labyrinth. Ancient writings claim that this is the plan of the very labyrinth through which Theseus passed, led by Aridna's thread.
In the sacristy you can see the sarcophagus in which Paolo Guinigi's wife Ilaria rests. At the time of her death, she was only twenty-six years old, so her grief-stricken husband asked the famous master Jacopo Della Quercia to create a worthy haven for her beautiful young body. And the master created a real masterpiece, putting all his passion and skill into this ingenious creation, which is still admired by millions of people from all over the world.
But Jacopo Della Querch did not stop there and created a magnificent statue of Ion the Baptist for the Cathedral of St. Martin. Further, the attention of visitors will certainly be attracted by the wooden crucifix and the legend that is associated with it. They say that it was carved by Nicodemus from the Lebanese cedar, and the image of Christ was suggested to him by angels. Leaving Lucca, many townspeople take with them a copy of the Volto Santo crucifix, confident that it will protect them from troubles and misfortunes on a long journey.
Napoleon square
At the end of the journey, we find ourselves in Napoleon's piazza Napoleone, so named due to the fact that Napoleon Bonaparte's sister Eliza lived with her husband in the palace that is located on this place. Now the palace is open to numerous guests who can visit the art gallery and the city library, which contains rare old books and manuscripts. Another collection of paintings is located in the adjacent building of the Manzi palace.
As for the time of year, which is better to choose to visit Lucca, there is no single answer. In summer, the city is quite hot and dry, but in winter it is moderately humid and warm.
To get acquainted with the sights of the city in more detail, it would be best to book a city tour. It lasts about three hours, is led by a Russian-speaking guide, and the cost is about 180 euros. This walk includes a visit to the Guinigi Tower, Napoleon Square, Giacomo Puccini's House and other attractions described above.
How to move around the city
Having reached the city by car, it is better to leave own transport outside the city walls in specially designated parking spaces. Lucca is ideal for walking or cycling.
Residents of the city most often choose city buses, tickets for which can be purchased at any tobacco kiosks. Once on railway station, you can easily reach the center using electric buses.
Prices in cafes and restaurants
Walking around such a wonderful city, one cannot but visit small cozy cafes or restaurants. Lunch in them for one person will cost about 30 euros. Let us add here that a bottle of water with a capacity of 0.33 liters costs about two euros, local beer will cost almost 6 euros for half a liter, and a cup of coffee or cappuccino - 1.5–2 euros.
Of course, in expensive restaurants designed for tourists, these prices are several orders of magnitude higher.
Discover the city of Lucca and you will certainly want to return to it again.
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Travel Notes Day 5Lucca is a small town in Tuscany, 20 kilometers from Pisa and not far from Florence. From Pisa, you can get here in just 20 minutes by train. This is the capital city of the province of the same name, which includes, for example, where all our oligarchs live. But few people get to this beautiful city.
It is famous first of all for the perfectly preserved bastion-type fortress (it is considered the second largest in Europe) and for the fact that Gaius Julius Caesar and his comrades in the first triumvirate visited here. The streets of Lucca repeat the ancient Roman layout, and the Route of the Franks, an ancient pilgrimage route, passed through the city.
01. The Polish train PESA runs from Pisa to Lucca. 
02. In 20 minutes you can comfortably reach your destination. 
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04. And from the station to the fortress walls to walk literally 5 minutes. 
05. Fortress gate (St. Peter's gate). They were built in the 16th century during the rebuilding of the fortification. 
06. They are carefully guarded by lions. 
07. Beauty immediately begins behind the fortress walls! Everywhere you look, there is a miracle and a fairy tale. If in other cities you need to look for some beautiful places, then in Lucca you need to try to find something ugly - and you won't find it! 
08. The city is very green. 
09. Cathedral of St. Martin. The first temple on this site was built in the 6th century, then it was rebuilt several times. The history of this particular building dates back to 1060. 
10. Having bought a ticket, you can climb its tower. 
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13. In general, there are many towers in Lucca, you have to climb everything on foot, and from all of them an amazing view opens up. 
14. Left - Clock tower, the tallest of the medieval towers of Lucca. There are 130 of them in total, but with viewing platforms not all are visible. 
15. A row of trees is a fortress wall on which plane trees are planted. You can walk on it. 
16. Flea market near the cathedral (we will return to it later) 
17. And this is the Guinigi Tower. But this is not the bell tower of the cathedral, but one of the first penthouses. That is, this is a residential tower with trees on the roof! On the upper platform, there is a garden of evergreen oak trees, and underneath it used to be a kitchen. By the way, Guinigi is not just another saint, but an influential family from Lucca, who built the tower. Such is the ancient Italian Trump Tower. 
18. I have already climbed it. View of the cathedral, from the bell tower of which the previous shots were taken. 
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20. Beauty! 
21. Bell tower of the Basilica of St. Fridiana. 
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23. Can you tell me what century it is? 
24. In the middle of the bell tower of the Church of San Michele 
25. Apennines 
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27. Narrow medieval streets are well preserved in the city. 
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31. Parking seems like an alien element. 
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36. Public space) 
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39. Sometimes on the streets you come across collapses. 
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41. Oval Square 
42. Its other name is the Amphitheater Square. There really was once an ancient Roman amphitheater, then salt warehouses and even a prison, but in the 19th century the architects decided to return the square to its original form. 
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44. Now it is the base for several outdoor cafes. 
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49. Flea market 
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52. Here, as expected, they sell all kinds of junk. 
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56. Compared to flea markets near Moscow, everything is very civilized and even beautiful. 
57. You can buy your own residence. 
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62. There are even such things. 
Lucca is one of the oldest and interesting cities the Italian region of Tuscany, the only one in Italy, surrounded by massive fortress walls of the 16th century around the entire perimeter. It is located on the banks of the Serkio River and has retained its ancient Roman layout and unique historical flavor to this day.
What to see in Lucca on your own?
Beautiful places and main attractions: photos with descriptions in Russian.
Torre Guinigi Tower
This unusual tower from the Middle Ages was built of brick and stone by the Guinigi family. Her distinctive feature Are several green oak trees that grow right on the roof. According to the idea of its creators, the tower symbolizes rebirth. Today, tourists can not only admire the appearance of the tower, but also enjoy the beautiful cityscape right from its roof. The ascent to the roof consists of 225 steps. Inside, the walls of the tower are decorated with paintings depicting the medieval life of the city.
San Michele in Foro
The Church of San Michele in Foro is the most beautiful and ancient attraction in Lucca. Before its construction, an ancient forum was located here. Nowadays, the snow-white temple of San Michele in Foro attracts tourists from all over the world with its graceful architecture, statues and inlays. The roof of the church is crowned with a sculpture of the Archangel Michael with two angels. He symbolizes this church. An ancient legend says that one angel wore a ring with a large shining diamond on his hand.
Cathedral of San Martino
Cathedral of San Martino is the main cathedral of Lucca. The beginning of its construction dates back to 1063. The façade of San Martino is decorated with columns in different styles. The legend explains this feature. It tells about the competition for the most beautiful column to decorate the cathedral. The most skilled craftsmen took part in the competition, creating masterpieces. Therefore, it was decided to take all the columns. Another interesting attraction of the church is the image of the labyrinth. According to legend, this labyrinth was the prototype of the labyrinth of Chartres, the ancestor of all labyrinths.
Villa Guinigi National Museum
National Museum Villa Guinigi is home to a huge number of works of art by great artists. Previously, this building was the palace of the ruler of Lucca, Paolo Guinigi. The beginning of the construction of the palace dates back to 1413. Today, the museum invites tourists to visit unique and interesting exhibitions that will acquaint them with the history of Lucca, Christian art, as well as the art of the Renaissance.
Basilica of Saint Fridian
This temple is one of the oldest sights of Lucca.It has been decorating the city since the 6th century. The initiator of the construction of this Catholic church was the bishop of Lucca, Saint Fridian. Currently, his relics rest in the heart of the temple. The building is designed in Romanesque style and welcomes visitors with a graceful facade decorated with mosaics. Inside, the marble walls of the temple are decorated with carvings. Here, tourists can feel the spirit of the times by studying stories from the Bible, captured on the ancient font of the 12th century.
Piazza Anfitheatro
Anfitheatro Square is perfect place for tourist recreation. In ancient times, there was a Roman amphitheater here. This cozy sunny square is surrounded by old houses of different heights. According to local residents such an uneven roof line resembles the staff of one of the musical creations of Giacomo Puccini. There are cafes and small shops on the lower floors of the buildings. Here tourists can relax, taste delicious pizza and buy souvenirs.
Church of San Pietro Somaldi
A unique temple of the VIII century, built in the classical Romanesque style. It is located on the square of St. Peter Somaldi. A special feature of the structure of the church is the luxurious facade of gray sandstone with a double arcature. Above the main entrance to the building, there is a carved bas-relief depicting the handing over of the keys to St. Peter. Two lions obediently guard the entrance to the inside of the temple, which houses a collection of beautiful paintings from the 15th-19th centuries. Of particular interest is the preserved fresco of the 13th century with the face of the Mother of God.
Palazzo Muncie
This palace - museum of the 16th century has a unique historical value. Its walls are literally steeped in history. Several generations of the noble Mansi merchant family lived here. Outside, the style of the building is quite restrained and laconic. The interior layout of the house has undergone several restorations over its centuries-old history. Today, tourists are waiting an amusing trip into the world of the past. Luxurious residential interiors, apartments, picturesque paintings, frescoes, tapestries, and much more are presented to your attention.
Palazzo Pretorio
Palazzo Pretorio, or the Praetor Palace, is located in the central square of Lucca, San Michele. It was built by the architect Matteo Civitali, whose monument now adorns the building's loggia. Above the slender columns of the central entrance, there is a beautiful antique clock with a carved frame. For several centuries, the palace served as the city hall. From the middle of the 15th century, ministers of the local administration, as well as representatives of the judiciary, worked here.
Church of St. John and the Great Martyr Reparaty
Many centuries ago, the church served as the seat of the bishops of Lucca. Today, this Christian temple is not only a unique monument of spiritual history, it is also of great interest to archaeologists. Excavations in its vicinity are ongoing. Here, in the process of research, archaeologists managed to find various historical artifacts telling about the life and customs of ancient Rome, many of which date back to the 1st century BC.
Apuan Alps National Park
The Apuan Alps are the most picturesque attraction in Lucca. The park is located just a few kilometers from the Versilia recreation area. The most high mountain in the park - Monte Pisanino, the distance from the ground to its top is 1947 meters! The park attracts enthusiastic views of tourists with its gorgeous panoramic views, river valleys with green slopes, shady gorges, and lush meadows. It is here that the mysterious labyrinth underground Antro del Corchia is located, the length of which is 70 kilometers.
Lucca Botanical Garden
The city botanical garden is one of the beautiful places cities. You can find it on Via Giardino Botanico. 1820 is the date of creation of this wonderful place... 23 years after its foundation, the first photograph of the garden was taken, which has survived to this day. The richest collection of various representatives of flora is collected here: rare beautiful flowers, mighty trees, as well as medicinal plants. The oldest inhabitant of the garden is the Lebanese cedar, which was planted in 1822.
Park "Migliarino, San Rossore and Massachuccoli"
This natural landmark is a natural park. The park is relatively young; the year of its foundation is 1979. After passing through the fabulous carved gates, visitors enter wonderful world flora and fauna. Here you can meet different species of birds, fallow deer, wild boars. The heart of the park is San Rossore, famous for its breathtaking views. Also, here you can walk along the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli, in the vicinity of which the villa of the composer Giacomo Puccini is located, as well as the surviving fragments of an ancient Roman villa.
Palazzo Pfanner
Palazzo Pfanner is a palace with a very interesting story which continues today. Members of the Pfanner family have been its owners since 1860. An interesting fact is that the Austrian Felix Pfanner originally bought this house to house a brewery. The exterior of the palace is made in the best traditions of the Baroque style. The building is surrounded by a luxurious classic garden with fountains and graceful sculptures. Since the beginning of the 90s of the XX century, this attraction has been open to tourists.
Villa Marlia
Villa Marlia is unique in that it has preserved its original state for several centuries. This late Renaissance building was erected at the beginning of the 15th century. On the territory of the villa there are artificial ruins, cozy Italian gardens. Zest of this place is the unusual water fountain theater Teatro d "Aqua. Also, here visitors can admire the scenes from the comedies played out by miniature figurines in the green theater of Teatro di Verdura, and enjoy the aromas of the lemon garden.
Palazzo Tucci
The palace is luxurious architectural monument, which is located in the heart of the city. The palazzo began its history in the 17th century, and was the property of the Tucci family. Around the 18th century, the house underwent a major restoration at the initiative of its owner, Giuseppe Tucci. As a result of the restoration, the style of the building was changed from medieval to Renaissance. The interior decoration of the house is made in a classic style. The collection of works of art includes paintings of the 18th century, frescoes and rare canvases.
Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace) is one of the most beautiful palaces in Lucca. It is located on the east side of Napoleon Square. This ancient palace from the beginning of the XIV century is rich in its history. It was as if time had stopped here. This is a real treasure of inimitable works of art. The luxurious halls house numerous paintings, frescoes, and other exhibits. The Gallery of Marble Statues deserves special attention. A great place to explore ancient Italy.
Fortress walls of Lucca
These walls are closely related to the city, since throughout its history they were erected along with it. The first mentions of the city walls date back to the Roman period, and date back to 180 BC. Today, the total length of the preserved wall belt is almost 4.5 km. Huge blocks of limestone were used in the construction of the walls. In clear sunny weather, the ancient city wall turns into a backdrop for various events.
Gate of San Gervasio
This ancient great gate, with a wide arch and two large towers, served as the entrance to the city in ancient times. They were built in the XIII century. Inside, the arch is decorated with the image of the Madonna and Child, which refers to XVI century... Also, here you can see a fragment of a unique ancient fresco depicting St. John the Baptist. Mighty medieval towers, inside which living quarters are now located, originally defended the city from enemies, and were equipped with battlements.
Monastery and Church of Saint Roman
The former Dominican monastery complex is located on the square of the same name in the city of Lucca. The monastery is of great religious value for the inhabitants of Lucca, and is the most ancient. On the territory of the complex is the Church of St. Roman. After the restoration work of the second half of the 17th century, the interior style of the church decoration changed to Baroque. If you go around the church on the left side, you can see several burial arches that belong to the famous families of the city.
Monastery and Church of St. Francis
During the Middle Ages, it was the largest monastery center. The priests of the Franciscan order erected this complex with a church in the distant XIII century. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi impresses with its restrained simplicity and medieval austerity. If you go inside, you will see numerous frescoes of the 15th century. And also, within the walls of this temple, there are several tombstones. It is noteworthy that this particular place became the repository of the monument to Ugolino Visconti, described by Dante in the Divine Comedy.
Monastery-sanctuary of St. Gemma Galliani
If you move about 1.3 kilometers east of Cathedral then you can get into this unique monastery complex. This convent was built in the second half of the 18th century. Previously, it was home to Saint Gemma Galliani. During her lifetime, this woman had an unusual gift of a seer. Now, her relics rest within its walls. The center of the monastery complex is occupied by a church with a large beautiful dome. The church itself has two facades with slender columns.
Church of Our Lady of the Rose
The city's church from the early 14th century, Santa Maria della Rosa, is located on a street with the romantic name "Rue de Rose". The altar of this church contains the legendary image of "Our Lady of the Rose", which is highly valued by researchers. Several centuries ago, the inhabitants of the city considered this face to be miraculous. Now it pleases tourists with its beauty. The building of the temple itself is decorated with carved dragons, roses, stained glass windows. The statue of the Virgin with the Child and Roses guards the northern wall of the building.
Lilia Theater (Teatro del Giglio)
The Lilia Theater is the largest cultural center and the oldest theater in the city of Lucca. For the first time, its doors opened to spectators in the second half of the 17th century. Throughout its history, the theater building has undergone several reconstructions: after the fire, the fall of the Lucca Republic, and already in our time, in 1985. The theater is a prime example of neoclassical architecture. Genius singers and musicians such as Giuseppe Verdi, Vincenzo Bellini, and Gioacchino Rossini sounded on its stage.
Lucca is a great place for a relaxing family vacation as well as for acquaintance with the Romano-Gothic cathedrals and medieval city buildings.
Do you want to organize a trip to the city of the arts of Lucca and need accurate information? Want to know. why do tourists adore this medieval Italian city and are in no hurry to leave here? A short city guide will help you.
Briefly about the history of the city
Lucca hotels and satellite map
Where to stay in the cityHotel Noblesse |
What museums are worth visiting
The great Italian opera composer was born in Lucca Giacomo Puccini... Visit the House-Museum of the composer and see the stages of his life and work, see family portraits, letters and notes of the composer, as well as the famous Steiway piano, on which the masterpiece was created Turandot... (1926). Address: Piazza San Michele. The entrance ticket costs 7 euros. Schedule:
Pinakothek Palazzo Muncie- for art lovers. Here are mainly canvases of the 19th century. You can also enjoy the works Tintoretto, Titian, Ghirlandaio, Veronese and Domenichino... The address: Via Galli Tassi, 43 (on the map)... The entrance ticket costs 4 euros. Schedule:
On weekdays: from 8.30 to 19.30
Weekends and Mondays: closed
Villa Guinigi National Museum(on via della Quarquonia). Among the many exhibits from different eras, they stand out especially Painted cross Berlingiero Berlingieri, SorrowMatteo Civitali, Ecstasy of St. Catherine of Siena work Pompeo Batoni, Madonna of Mercy Florentine artist Fra Bartolomeo... Schedule:
Tuesday - Saturday: 8.30 am to 7.30 pm
In July and August, also open on Sunday from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm
Day off - Monday
Image gallery - Villa Guinigi:
Media world- Via delle Cornacchie 960, Località Le Catena 55100 Lucca What elseTake the opportunity to cycle along the city wall. There is a lake just a few kilometers from the city. Lago di massaciuccoli... Take a boat trip and enjoy the magnificent panorama. Routes in the reserve have been developed for naturalists igliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli. Restaurants and pizzerias in Lucca - editor's choiceOsteria del "Vecchio Pazzo" - Via di Matraia, San Pancrazio - 55100 Lucca Tel 0583-579131 How to get to the city of LuccaBy plane - closest airports: Pisa airport "G. Galilei" By bus: Lucca Bus Station is located on Piazzale Verdi in the historic city center. By train: Lucca train station is located behind the fortress wall near the S. Pietro gate in the square Piazza ricasoli. From Florence: railway S. Maria Novella station
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If you have never been here, you will be surprised. Lucca(Lucca) - one of the most famous and popular in Via Francigena, home of many foreigners, birthplace of Puccini's music. The city is surrounded by a wall of the 15th century. with a perimeter of 4 km. Inside - history Center with narrow streets and picturesque squares with medieval houses and Renaissance palaces.
Reliable confirmation of how much this is its place on the list of America's most beloved places. The walls of the city were built over a century since 1504. They are 4.2 km long and 30 m wide and are a kind of symbol of the city. From the time of the Roman Empire remained stone circle, on which houses now rise. They form Amphitheater Square(Piazza Anfiteatro), where they hold various events and just have a good time.
Secular and religious buildings mainly date back to the 11th and 12th centuries, when, thanks to merchants and bankers, the city reached the international economic level. A lot of buildings from the era of communes, including tower houses, for example, Guinigi towers(Torre Guinigi) and Clock towers(Torre delle Ore).
Heart of the city - Napoleon square(Piazza Napoleone), or, as the locals call it, the Big Square (Piazza Grande). There are located ducal palace, chairmanship of the provincial administration (construction began in 1578 by the architect Ammanati). Also there is Giglio theater(Teatro del Giglio) and Institute of arts(Istituto d'Arte).
It is here that events such as Lucca Comic(Lucca Comics) late October - early November. Also Summer festival(Summer Festival) in July - a celebration of Italian and world rock music. A little further away is the majestic Cathedral of Saint Martino(Cattedrale di San Martino), a church built in the 13th century. on the ruins of a church of the 8th century It contains the true masterpieces of the hand of Matteo Civitali, Paolo Guinigi, Ghirlandaio, Tintoretto, Passignano, Fra Bortolomeo, Jacopo Ligozzi and Alessandro Allori.
On Via San Paolino we find another important square - the square Saint Michele(Piazza San Michele) with the eponymous church of St. Michele from the mid-12th century .. It combines the Pisa and Roman-Lombard styles. Inside is a Latin cross and many art objects, including the famous Madonna and Child Andrea della Robbia and a table by Filippino Lippi with images of Saints Girolamo, Sebastiano, Rocco and Empress Helena (also known as Pala Magrini circa 1483).
Another Pisan-Romanesque-Lombard church - Basilica of St. Frediano(Basilica di San Frediano), built in honor of the patron saint of Lucca and depicting him on the facade in the form of a mosaic. Be sure to pay attention to it! The building itself was erected in the Middle Ages, and the mosaics were added seven centuries later. The importance of this church cannot be overstated. Mosaic, interior decoration, a number of Renaissance frescoes, valuable sculptures - all this makes it one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. It also contains the grave of another patron saint of the city - Saint Dzita, whose mummified body lies in a transparent capsule.
The most interesting churches
In the city of a hundred churches, you can still choose the most interesting ones. For example, a church Saints Giovanni and Reparata(Chiesa dei santi Giovanni e Reparata), standing in the square of the same name between Napoleon Square and St. Martino Square. An ancient basilica with a square baptistery, whose foundation was laid back in the 4th century. and up to 7 century. served as a cathedral. The church was rebuilt many times, now it is a Romanesque building with a characteristic portal, where there is a museum with interesting historical finds... Also, concerts of Puccini and just classical music are held here every week. Also very interesting Church of Santa Maria della Rosa(Chiesa di Santa Maria della Rosa) - the heart of another patron saint of Lucca - Saint Gemma. It was built in 1309 and turned into a chapel, where the Madonna and Saints Peter and Paul are depicted inside.
Among the buildings, we also remember Villa Paolo Guinigi(Villa di Paolo Guinigi) 1418, which now houses Guinigi National Museum(Museo Nazionale Guinigi) - it should never be missed - with sculptures and finds from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, archaeological materials from the Etruscans, Romans and Ligurians.
National art gallery(Pinacoteca Nazionale), in turn, is located in Muncie Palace(Palazzo Mansi) 17th century .. It contains an excellent collection of Italian and foreign artists: Vasari, Jacopo da Bassano, Tintoretto, Veronese, Bronzino, Andrea del Sarto, Guido Reni, Domenichino, Pontormo, Pompeo Batoni. Two more important sights of the city - Botanical Garden and the house of Giacomo Puccini. It was in this house that his most famous operas were written: La Boheme, Tosca, Turandot ... The composer was born here, in the historical part of the city, a stone's throw from Piazza San Michele, in 1858 and lived most of his youth until he moved to Milan in 1922 Today this building is the house-museum of the great Italian composer. Here you can see objects that belonged to his family, including various awards from the maestro from the beginning of his career in Lucca as organist of the Church of San Paolino.
Botanical Garden lies on two hectares in the southeastern part of the city center. It was founded in 1820 by Maria Louise of Bourbon, Duchess of Lucca (at the initiative of Eliza Bonaparte in 1814). The garden is divided into sectors: fruit trees, lake, etc. A real oasis of beauty and peace.
An excursion into the history of Lucca
The first traces of human settlement in Lucca date back to the time of the Ligurians. Evidence indicates that the city was founded on one of the islands of the river Auser, or Serchio, as it was called in ancient times, so the name of the city itself may come from the root "bow", which means a swampy place. With the arrival of the Etruscans in the 7-6th century. BC. Lucca experienced a demographic, economic and cultural boom.
The first mention of the city is in the "History" of Titus Livy 218 BC. After prolonged military action by the Romans against the Ligurians in 180 BC. Lucca together with Pisa were annexed to the province of Liguria. In 59 BC. the city became a meeting place for the triumvirate of Pompey, Caesar and Crasso. During the Empire Lucca became an important point at the intersection of the roads of Cassia, Clodius and Aurelia and experienced a state of its heyday (especially in the 1-2 century AD). The most global archaeological finds - the ruins of the first walls, the Amphitheater, Terme Massaciuccoli and the Theater - date from this period.
With the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, the city was occupied by the Goths, Byzantines (552) and Longobards (570), with last city became the center of an important duchy. The main churches were also built under them. The Carolingians deprived Lucca of the primacy in Tuscany (Florence became the center), and in the 10-11th century. the city has gone through an era of severe decline.
13-14 centuries: important years for Lucca
Already in the 12th century. the city began to rise again: entrepreneurs established a new mint and openly began to compete with Genoa and Pisa. Despite endless wars with Florence, Arezzo, Siena, Prato, Orvieto and Can Miniato, the period from the 12th to the 13th century. was, without a doubt, one of the most successful in the history of Lucca. The silk trade and the activities of local entrepreneurs in general brought fame and fortune to the city, and in 1119 made it an independent commune. At the Diet of San Genesio in 1162, the inhabitants of Lucca received full autonomy from the emperor Federico Barbarossa. In the 14th century. the city expanded, the quarters of San Frediano and Santa Maria Forisportam appeared.
Castruccio Castracani
The struggle between Guelfi and Ghibellini, between Whites and Blacks, between the most powerful families, brought the tyrant Uguccione Fajola to power in 1314. The residents, led by General Castruccio Castracani, took two years to free themselves from him. The rule of Castruccio was distinguished by the greatest spread of the influence of the commune, which in a short time annexed Pistoia, Volterra and Luni, simultaneously defeating the Florentines at the Battle of Altopasho in 1325 and 1327. The general died of malaria in 1328 during his triumphant return from Florence. With his death came new period decline. The city passed from one hand to another: King Giovanni of Bohemia, Rossi, Scaligeri, and finally Pisa - from 1342 to April 7, 1369, when Lucca received a decree from Emperor Charles IV on full autonomy.
15th century and the great Paolo Guinigi
B 1400-1430 Lucca belonged to Paolo Guinigi, and during these years there was a new heyday, which made the city richer and more beautiful. At the same time, the walls were fortified to resist any invaders.
Lucca in the 16-19th century
In 1556, the Aristocratic Republic was founded in Lucca (which existed until 1799). Since the 16th century. the city experienced an incredible flowering of musical culture, thanks to the activities of Guami, Malvezzi, Gregory, Gasperini, Geminiani and Boccherini. This tradition culminated several centuries later with the arrival of Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924).
Principality of Elisa Baciocchi
Three years after the arrival of Napoleon Lucca acquired a new status, becoming in 1805 a principality under the control of the emperor's sister - Eliza Baciocchi, wife of Felix Baciocchi. At that time, many reforms were carried out in favor of the people; the arts and sciences flourished. After a short Austrian rule (1815-1817), in 1817 Lucca became a duchy and passed first into the hands of the Spaniard Maria Louise Bourbon (1817-1824), and then - her son Charles Louis (1824-1847). Their dominance was marked by the architectural masterpieces of Lorenzo Nottolini, who also owned the most beautiful road on the city wall. At the same time, the Savings Fund was created, the resort of Viareggio and thermal springs began to develop. Lucca... In 1847 the Bourbons left the city where the Grand Duchy of Tuscany Leopold II was established. By an act of March 11, 1860, it became part of Piedmont, which the following year completed the unification of Italy.
Important events in Lucca
There are many interesting dates, Lucca Is a very lively city. On September 13, the religious Holy Cross is celebrated, during which a crucifixion procession takes place, and the city is illuminated with a thousand lights. Saint Dzita, April 27, Summer Festival, Murabilia, gardening festival, early September; July 12 - Saint Paolino, patron saint of the city; and, of course, the Women's Jazz Festival ...
Tuscany. Of course, you can hear or read 100 times, but it is best to see this beautiful city once with our positive team of local guides from.
